EJS GOLF BLOG
Learn about the golf swing and what you can do to improve your score on the golf course. Fill out the form below if you have any questions or want to set up a time to talk.
Mastering the Art of Golf with Coach Erik Schjolberg
Welcome to my blog at EJS Golf Academy, the premier destination for mastering the art of golf. Here at our Scottsdale location, at McCormick Ranch Golf Club, every golfer who steps into my world-class teaching bay discovers a pathway to enhance their game. My name is Coach Erik Schjolberg, and I am committed to transforming your golf skills through a combination of cutting-edge technology and personalized coaching techniques.
At EJS Golf, we understand that every golfer's journey is unique. Whether you are a PGA Tour professional, a college athlete, a developing junior, or a weekend enthusiast, our blog is designed to provide you with insights and strategies to improve your game. Our posts are not just about golf; they are about becoming a better player through deliberate practice and scientific understanding of golf mechanics.
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How to Impact Guide
How to Impact Guide - Get Compression, Distance and Spin
Hi. My name is Coach Erik Schjolberg and as a seasoned golf instructor with over 25 years of experience, I have dedicated my career to helping golfers of all levels enhance their performance. At EJS Golf Academy in Scottsdale, Arizona, I work with PGA Tour professionals, advanced juniors, college athletes, and committed amateurs. My approach emphasizes the importance of consistent practice, advocating for at least 15 minutes of focused training daily, supplemented by personalized feedback. A critical aspect of improving one's game lies in mastering the impact position and controlling the low point of the swing. These elements are fundamental to achieving consistent ball striking and overall success on the course.
IMPACT
Understanding the Impact Position
The impact position is the precise moment when the clubface meets the ball, significantly influencing the shot's outcome. A proper impact position ensures optimal energy transfer from the club to the ball, resulting in increased distance and accuracy. Key components of an ideal impact position include forward shaft lean, proper hip and shoulder alignment, and balanced weight distribution. Studies have shown that golfers who maintain a forward shaft lean at impact can increase their ball speed by up to 10%, leading to longer shots. Additionally, proper hip and shoulder alignment contributes to a more efficient swing path, reducing the likelihood of mishits.
The Role of Low Point Control
The low point of the swing arc is the lowest point the clubhead reaches during the swing. Controlling this low point is crucial for consistent ball striking, as it determines whether the club contacts the ball before the ground. Ideally, the low point should occur just after the ball, ensuring a ball-first, then turf contact. This technique promotes cleaner strikes and prevents common errors such as fat or thin shots. Research indicates that professional golfers consistently achieve a low point that is approximately four inches ahead of the ball, contributing to their superior ball-striking abilities.
Achieving Forward Shaft Lean
Forward shaft lean at impact means that the hands are positioned ahead of the clubhead, promoting a descending strike. This position helps compress the ball, resulting in a more penetrating ball flight and increased distance. To achieve forward shaft lean, focus on maintaining a firm left wrist (for right-handed golfers) through impact. Practicing with alignment rods can provide visual feedback, helping golfers understand the correct hand positioning. Consistent practice of this technique can lead to significant improvements in ball striking and overall performance.
Proper Hip and Shoulder Alignment
At impact, the hips and shoulders should be open relative to the target line, facilitating proper rotation and power generation. This alignment allows for a more efficient transfer of energy from the body to the club, enhancing both distance and accuracy. To achieve this position, initiate the downswing with a hip rotation towards the target, allowing the shoulders to follow naturally. Drills that emphasize hip rotation can be beneficial in developing this aspect of the swing. Consistent practice of proper hip and shoulder alignment can lead to more powerful and accurate shots.
Weight Distribution at Impact
Balanced weight distribution is essential for stability and control during the swing. At impact, approximately 80% of your weight should be on the lead foot, ensuring a solid base and preventing sway. This weight shift promotes a downward strike, essential for crisp iron shots. To practice proper weight distribution, focus on initiating the downswing with a shift of weight to the lead foot, followed by a rotation of the hips and shoulders. Consistent practice of this technique can lead to more consistent ball striking and improved performance.
Maintaining Spine Angle
Preserving the spine angle established at address throughout the swing is crucial for consistent ball striking. Maintaining this angle prevents early extension or "standing up" at impact, which can lead to mishits. To maintain spine angle, focus on keeping your chest over the ball throughout the swing, allowing for a more consistent swing path. Drills that emphasize maintaining spine angle can be beneficial in developing this aspect of the swing. Consistent practice of maintaining spine angle can lead to more consistent ball striking and improved performance.
Proper Weight Shift
Transitioning your weight smoothly from the trail foot to the lead foot during the downswing is essential for positioning the low point correctly. This weight shift promotes a downward strike, essential for crisp iron shots. To practice proper weight shift, focus on initiating the downswing with a shift of weight to the lead foot, followed by a rotation of the hips and shoulders. Drills that emphasize weight shift can be beneficial in developing this aspect of the swing. Consistent practice of proper weight shift can lead to more consistent ball striking and improved performance.
Drills to Improve Impact Position and Low Point Control
Incorporating specific drills into your practice routine can significantly enhance your impact position and low point control. One effective drill is the Impact Bag Drill, which involves striking a specially designed bag to simulate the feel of proper impact. This drill helps reinforce the correct hand and body positioning at impact. Another beneficial exercise is the Line Drill, where you draw a line on the ground and practice making divots starting just after the line, promoting a forward low point. Additionally, the Two-Tee Drill involves placing two tees in the ground, one representing the ball position and the other a few inches ahead, and focusing on striking the first tee and then brushing the second, encouraging a proper low point.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Several common mistakes can hinder your ability to achieve a proper impact position and control the low point. One such error is the early release of the club head, where the wrists unhinge prematurely, leading to a loss of power and inconsistent contact. To avoid this, focus on maintaining wrist hinge until impact. Another common mistake is improper weight shift, where the golfer fails to transfer weight to the lead foot, resulting in fat or thin shots. Practicing drills that emphasize proper weight distribution can help correct this issue.
The Importance of Consistent Practice
Improving your impact position and low point control requires consistent and focused practice. Allocating at least 15 minutes daily to targeted drills can lead to significant improvements over time. Utilizing feedback tools, such as alignment sticks, you can be well on your way to changing your game forever.
Check out more of my blogs to continue to learn more about your golf swing and how you can get better. Specifically, check out my blog here.
Golf improvement is a science, not a mystery. At EJS Golf Academy, I debunk the myth that golfers must "get worse before they get better." Through my data-driven approach and cutting-edge technology, I help players make immediate, tangible improvements. Experience this transformative method at McCormick Ranch Golf Club in Scottsdale or through my online coaching. Visit EJS Golf to discover how I can elevate your game using advanced techniques and personalized instruction. Let's unlock your potential for continuous improvement together.
(480) 861-9370
What You Can Expect from Our Blog
1. Expert Insights on Swing Mechanics:
With over 25 years of experience as a PGA Professional Golf Instructor, I delve deep into the nuances of golf swing mechanics. My articles break down complex theories into understandable concepts, focusing on ground reaction forces (GRFs), biomechanics, and efficient energy transfer.
2. Advanced Technological Guidance:
Our academy is equipped with state-of-the-art tools like the Trackman 4 Launch Monitor, 3D Pressure Plates, and Hackmotion, among others. On the blog, I share how to leverage these technologies to gain precise feedback on your swing, helping you make informed adjustments and see measurable improvements.
3. Tailored Practice Routines:
My philosophy is built on the belief that improvement should be evident from the first lesson. I advocate a '15 minutes per day' practice model, designed to fit into your busy schedule while ensuring consistent progress. Each blog post aims to offer practice drills and routines that are easy to implement and effective in refining your skills.
4. Real Success Stories:
Read about the experiences of those who have trained at EJS Golf Academy. These testimonials not only inspire but also illustrate the practical application of our teaching methodologies and the real results achieved.
5. Interactive Learning:
We occasionally feature video tutorials and interactive content that allows you to visually grasp techniques and corrections. This blended approach helps reinforce learning and allows you to engage with the content actively.
How Our Blog Helps Golfers Get Better
Every post is crafted with the intent to educate. We cover everything from basic fundamentals to advanced techniques, ensuring there's something valuable for every skill level. By presenting data and evidence-backed strategies, our blog demystifies the 'why' and 'how' behind effective golf training. This analytical approach empowers you to make smarter decisions about your practice and play. We understand that generic advice does not suit everyone. Our blog posts are designed to help you identify your own needs and adapt our techniques accordingly. Whether it’s adjusting your grip, stance, or swing path, you’ll find personalized tips that resonate with your specific challenges. Beyond just reading, our blog serves as a community hub where you can interact with fellow golfers and share your experiences. This supportive environment encourages learning and improvement through collective wisdom.
Join Us on Your Path to Mastery
Whether you’re looking to refine your swing, understand the biomechanics of your body, or simply get more enjoyment out of the game, our blog at EJS Golf Academy is your go-to resource. Bookmark our page, subscribe to updates, and start transforming your game today.
Remember, at EJS Golf, we don’t just teach golf; we craft master golfers. Let’s begin this journey together. Visit us atEJSGolf.com to learn more about our programs and start your training online or at our Scottsdale location. Let’s make every swing count!
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phone: 480.861.9370 email: [email protected]
I've taken multiple private lessons with Erik and he's been by far the best swing coach I have ever worked with. He has the ability to dissect your swing and make small changes for big improvements. What I love most about his lessons is they go far beyond the 1 or 2 hours you're with him. He follows up with videos of how you can improve at home and on the range. The value he provides is absolutely worth the cost of his sessions. I would recommend any golfer at any level who truly wants to get better to go see Erik.”
- Reanol H.
Erik is the best! and that is not an exaggeration. There has not been a single lesson where I haven't walked out and felt like a far better golfer than before. What can't be praised enough is the effort and dedication that Eric puts into each of his students, as his approach to fixing and improving my golf swing was specific to me. While teaching, Erik takes the extra time to truly dive into what he is trying to convey rather than just telling you, allowing for a better understanding. Beyond the instruction at the course, Erik sends specific drills to you from an app that allows for slow motion replays, letting you break down everything and work on your game at any time. I genuinely mean it when I say that I would recommend Erik to anyone wanting to improve their golf game, as he is not only a top not instructor but also a top notch person who cares about his students.
- Brennan K.
Erik is flat out a great coach and mentor! I highly recommend him! Working from the ground up, my swing is healthier and smooth! I wanted a coach that shared the same main principles as the late Tony Manzoni and Erik hits the mark! Found Erik by listening to the Golf Smarter podcast by Fred Greene and connected with EJS Golf through the Perfect Motion app. Erik is motivated and incredibly gifted at his craft!
- Bryan B., Indiana, USA
